England’s 3-2 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca was an instant classic, with many memorable moments.
It’s possible, however, that you missed the game or just want to look back, so we’ve counted down the 13 craziest moments from the craziest game:
Storms delay the start of the game … again
However, before the action the fans in Mexico City were once again treated to the work of a DJ on the stage. During the one-hour weather delay, the DJ played some of El Tri’s World Cup background tunes but also included English classics. English songs, however, were chanted as fans waited to cheer on their teams as they warmed up on the field for the match to begin.
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Fans and players sang the loudest Mexican national anthem of the tournament
I mean, come on.
Mexico has not let go of anything in this World Cup, and it showed. After opening the scoring for Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid man was back in the box as England took advantage of a midfield turn to play their second. Bellingham received a pass from Harry Kane that appeared to be a dagger – although there were many twists and turns in the game.
Julian Quiñones brings one back to pin Chicharito, El Matador
Indeed, just as it looked as though England could comfortably win the match, despite a difficult phase, Julian Quiñones inched his way deep into the Mexican record books. Quiñones turned his leg and put the ball in the box in the net for his fourth goal of the tournament.
That’s tied with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Luis “El Matador” Hernandez for the most World Cup goals for Mexico.
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England breathe a sigh of relief at the break
Rather than the Three Lions going into the dressing room as they would have liked, they were the ones sweating as Mexico continued to find scoring opportunities.
When the whistle blew, you could see the relief on the faces of the English visitors.
Quansah sees red after video review
Mexico got a big break when Jarell Quansah left his boot to Jesus Gallardo, putting his sticks on the El Tri defender’s calf.
After VAR sent the referee to the keeper, England were down to 10.
England scored despite being down to 10
Outside, El Tri couldn’t capitalize. With England determined to go deep and try to beat Mexico at the top, goalkeeper Tala Rangel came to get the ball but he couldn’t get it and Anthony Gordon took it out.
Kane came on and converted, and England took a 3-1 lead in the 60th minute.
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VAR intervenes again as Mexico get a penalty
Kane would be involved nine minutes later, becoming the first player ever to score both goals and have a penalty called at the World Cup, as his efforts to clear the ball as Raul Jimenez tried to control it in the box instead ended up shooting Jimenez’s leg.
Once again, the referee was called on the monitor, the Estadio Azteca began to hope again.
Raul evolves from there
Jimenez has an almost flawless penalty record, and he wouldn’t miss out this time. He made a trademark hop and beat Pickford, setting up a tough finish as Mexico looked to find another after this 69th minute goal to make it 3-2.
Raul Jimenez rides a bike
When Mexico tried to get an equalizing goal, Raul did something amazing by trying to kick high, if he had been able to get past the sea of England players in the box, it would have been great.
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He had scored goals before at Azteca, but this time it was best to try something lower.
Santi Gimenez injures his ankle, but Mexico must play
As 11 minutes of stoppage time continued, Mexico ended up playing 10 v. 10 and striker Santi Gimenez injured his ankle but dragged himself off the field so El Tri could play.
That led to some scenes where Mexico took a corner while Gimenez, clearly in real pain, was hustled off the pitch.
Eventually, the medical staff was able to take care of him, with Aguirre noting after the game that Gimenez had to go to the hospital to study.
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He is on the referee’s book even though he did not enter the field, Jordan Henderson may also have suffered a serious wrist injury without playing in the game.
After singing Wonderwall and celebrating with the England fans, Henderson tried to climb back onto the billboards but slipped and landed on the ground.
Harry Kane is speechless
The England striker wouldn’t be singing “Wonderwall” too much because you could barely hear him talking after the game. Kane’s voice was heavy and tearful as he tried to praise the departing fans.
We are silent after that. What a game. What a World Cup. We’ve got twelve games left, and we’ll cover them all here at USA TODAY Sports.
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This article first appeared on USA TODAY: The 13 most heartbreaking moments since England’s World Cup victory over Mexico.
